A British man, found to be under the influence of drugs, has been hit with a substantial fine and a driving ban after deliberately reversing his vehicle into the front lobby of a prestigious four-star hotel in Poland. The shocking incident, captured on video, occurred at the Gołębiewski Hotel in the popular ski resort town of Karpacz.
Chaotic Scene at Hotel Lobby
The 36-year-old driver, operating a black Mazda, was seen reversing forcefully into the hotel's main entrance, completely destroying the front door. He then continued to reverse further into the lobby area before calmly driving away from the scene, leaving a trail of significant structural damage.
Police Pursuit and Arrest
Police were promptly called to the hotel. Officers later located the damaged vehicle in a nearby car park. Upon spotting the police, the driver became visibly nervous and attempted to flee, striking a marked police car in the process. A pursuit ensued, covering approximately 1.5 kilometers, before the perpetrator was successfully apprehended.
Police spokeswoman Edyta Bagrowska provided details: "Officers spotted a black Mazda with bodywork damage in a parking lot. A man was inside. Upon seeing the officers, the driver became nervous, then sped off, hit a marked police car, and attempted to flee. After approximately 1.5 kilometers, the perpetrator was apprehended. The driver turned out to be a 36-year-old Englishman. The man was visibly agitated."
Drug Influence and Charges
A preliminary drug test conducted at the scene indicated the man was likely under the influence of intoxicants. A subsequent search of his vehicle led to the discovery of psychoactive substances. He was immediately placed in police custody pending a full investigation.
The 36-year-old has been formally charged with multiple offences, including failing to stop for a traffic stop, causing criminal damage to property, possession of psychoactive substances, and driving under the influence of drugs.
Substantial Penalties Imposed
In addition to the criminal charges, the man has been ordered to pay a fine of £10,500 to cover the cost of the extensive damage caused to the hotel. Furthermore, he has been banned from driving anywhere in Poland for a period of four years, a significant penalty highlighting the severity of his actions.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the serious legal consequences for driving under the influence and causing deliberate property damage abroad, with Polish authorities taking a firm stance against such dangerous behaviour.
